Optimizing Readiness: A Look Back at MHSRS 2022

The Defense Health Agency’s Military Health System Research Symposium (MHSRS) took place from September 12 – 15^th in Kissimmee, FL, and DLH experts were on hand at the Department of Defense’s premier scientific meeting.

DLH Communications caught up with DLH Executive Director for Emerging Technology John Kenney and DLH Practice Area Director for Data Sciences and Analytics, Andrew R. Wiesen, MD, MPH following the conference to learn more:

DLH Communications: What’s the focus of MHSRS?

John Kenney: The theme for this year’s MHSRS was “Optimizing Readiness… The Power of Military Medical Research.” Each year, the event focuses on the unique medical needs of the Warfighter and is the largest scientific meeting of its class. There were over 2,300 scientific abstracts, over 1,300 poster presentations, and 65 scientific breakout sessions at this year’s conference! The entire conference is a key component of DOD’s efforts to promote collaboration between academia, industry, and government.

DLH Communications: How does DLH fit into that picture?

Dr. Wiesen: The symposium provided a venue for sharing research findings spanning combat casualty care, operational medicine, infectious diseases, and global health engagement, and this aligns perfectly with DLH capabilities. Our support for the Defense Health Agency and our public health work more broadly contribute greatly to the military medical research community. DLH team members participated in the presentation of over a dozen scientific posters highlighting the cutting-edge work provided to Warfighters, and the DLH team supported numerous customer briefings during breakout sessions.

DLH Communications: What are the priority areas for the military health community in the coming years?

JK: Priority areas for the military health community include a continued push to find and infuse the latest technology as we look at near peer conflict. The span of emerging technical areas covers a wide range from wearable devices, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality applied to combat care or using 3D printing and new materials for Warfighter treatment.

DLH Communications: What’s the most exciting thing you learned at MHSRS?

JK: As with any large conference, it is often the new partnerships that emerge for continuing our own growth and knowledge that is most exciting.  MHSRS provided excellent opportunities to interface with and exchange ideas with our customers and senior leaders from the military services.

Members of Team DLH at MHSRS 2022.